BEIRUT — A significant escalation occurred on Saturday night as Israeli warplanes conducted heavy airstrikes on several areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Amrousieh, Choueifat, Haret Hreik, and Burj al-Barajneh, according to local TV channel Al-Jadeed.

According to Namibia Press Agency, one of the airstrikes struck near a fuel station, triggering a massive fire, with ongoing TV coverage showing Israeli planes continuing to patrol the skies above Beirut. There has been no immediate information regarding casualties from these latest strikes.

This intensification follows a series of actions since September 23, where the Israeli army has been actively targeting Hezbollah positions across Lebanon. These operations have caused significant civilian casualties, displacements, and the deaths of several key Hezbollah figures, including secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah. Israel has also initiated what it terms a "limited" ground operation within Lebanon.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated notably since October 8, 2023, after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in coordination with Hamas activities in the Gaza Strip. This prompted a series of retaliatory airstrikes by Israel in southeastern Lebanon, further heightening tensions and hostilities in the region.